After years of backpacking around the world, I’ve learned the hard way which travel products are actually worth the hype—and which ones are just dead weight in my pack. I’ve made every mistake in the book: packing too cheap and ending up with subpar gear, or overthinking it and leaving behind something I really needed. Through all the trial and error, I’ve finally figured out the perfect balance of space-saving, budget-friendly essentials. In this post, I’m sharing the best travel products for women that I swear by—ones I’ll never leave home without again. I’ve done the legwork to find the best quality without breaking the bank. Enjoy the list, and happy travels!
This post contains affiliate links at no extra charge to you! Buying any products through the links below will help support this blog, and I would be forever grateful for any support you give! Love you guys! Enjoy this post of the best travel products for women on a budget!
Fold-up Waterproof Backpack
I have come up shorthanded on bags MANY times. Even when I think I won’t need another smaller bag, I am always wrong. I started bringing my fold-up waterproof backpack with me EVERYWHERE on my trips. For example, you can use it for:
- Groceries
- As a dirty clothes bag
- Extra bag in case you run out of room
- Day pack for hikes
- Day pack when you don’t want to tote your main bag around all day
- SOOO much more!
Click the button below for a few of my favorites!
Shower Shoes… but the best one ever!!!
You need shower shoes if you’re staying in any sort of hostel or accommodation. However, if you’re like me and only have a small backpack, it’s infuriating to have to use so much room on shoes that will just be used for that one purpose. HOWEVER, (and this is probably my greatest discovery of my life), I found these really cute shoes that I wear in the shower, on the beach, on hikes, AND they’re so adorable that I wear them with dresses or jeans when I want to dress up. They’re so perfect. I cannot emphasize them enough. Linked below!
Universal Travel Adapter
God bless my friend Hannah who brought a travel adapter when we traveled through Scandinavia and the United Kingdom! Every single person who travels needs this. Without a doubt. It’s a travel adapter that works with every plug around the world so you can charge your devices!
Quick Dry Travel Towel
This is something I will never go on another trip without. Firstly, bringing a big towel takes up space, so NOPE. Secondly, having to tote around a wet towel every day after you shower is a NIGHTMARE! Cancelled. This towel is perfect because its so compact, dries so quick, and it can double as a beach tower and a blanket. 1000% recommend this.
Waterproof Backpack Cover
This is another one I didn’t realize I needed until I was in another country, standing in the rain as all of my earthly possessions, including my computer and camera, got absolutely soaked. This is such a cheap fix and is so convenient. It’ll probably save you hundreds by protecting gear that the rain would ruin, especially because its so light and compact.
Fold-up Rain Jacket
This is another great item for when you’re low on space. Having a rain jacket that can compact and stay dry inside a tiny bag is such a win! There’s a ton to choose from linked below!
Locks
If you’re traveling and staying in hostels, this is a must. There are often lockers in hostels but without locks; whenever I have anything ever sort of valuable, it goes straight into the locker! A couple of these always come in handy.
Door Lock
If you’re staying in a private room and are worried at all about safety, this is a great product. It’s an extra door lock and a door stopper with an alarm! You can attach it to pretty much any door for your hostel or hotel room.
Waterproof Phone Pouch
This is a great find if you’re going adventure mode to snorkel, cliff-jump, etc. It keeps your phone completely dry, and you can take videos and pictures while its in the case!
PORTABLE CHARGER!!!
THE most important thing you bring on any trip (besides your passport and phone). I usually bring at least two in case of emergencies. The last thing you want is to be stranded without a way to contact anyone or use a map. The one below is very sturdy and long-lasting! It’s also so small and light. You NEED this for your next trip!
Long Black Dress
This is a random one, but I swear by it! If I could tell you all the times that I wasn’t allowed in a church or cathedral because my knees or shoulders were showing, we’d be here all day. Finding a staple black dress that is cute AND covers your knees and shoulders is a must, ESPECIALLY if it can double as a cute day dress, a nice dinner dress, or a going out dress. Below are a few I really really love! I bring one on every trip so I can be prepared. Another plus is that because it’s black, you don’t have to worry as much about dirt or stains!
Carabiners
Every time I don’t bring at least three of these on my trip, I am so frustrated with myself! They have endless uses that you don’t realize unless you don’t have them: attaching your shoes to the outside of your backpack, attaching your laundry bag, attaching your hats, clipping your water bottle to your bag, extra lock for your door, holding your hair ties, etc. I highly recommend using these on your next trip.
Scratch Off Map
While this isn’t something I bring with me, it’s such a fun way to remember your travels and where you’ve been! Getting home from an adventure and scratching off a new country feels like such an accomplishment. It almost makes up for the fact that I have zero dollars in my bank account upon my return!
BLACK Baseball Hat
I may be a little vain; but if I’m going somewhere awesome, I’m going to have to get a bunch of good photos for Instagram. SADLY, my hair while traveling is often oily and tangled and gross. Not fit for the gram. I bring a black baseball hat with me everywhere and wear it with my black dress and other cute outfits, and it has saved me quite a few times. This one is really just a personal preference!
Food and Drink
These have ended up saving me money in the long run. Before I leave on a trip, I load up on smaller snacks, smoothie packets, instant coffee, etc. That way (depending on where I am, of course) I can eat a quick breakfast and get on with my day rather than spending a fortune on an expensive, touristy breakfast that will drain half of my day! This is obviously a personal preference, and there are times that a lovely breakfast in a cultural place is exactly what I need. However, if I’m in adventure-mode, these are some of the things I love to have.
- Instant coffee packets
- Smoothie packets
- Something you can mix with water and chug to get some essential nutrients and a small breakfast
- Oatmeal packets
- What a hack. This will save you so much money, as oatmeal is so filling, and all you need is some hot water!
- Any type of protein bar
- Again, this can be your breakfast or snack! Some of my favorites:
- No Cow Bars
- KIND Breakfast Bars
- Go Macro Bars
- Again, this can be your breakfast or snack! Some of my favorites:
- Again with smoothie packets, but ones that are just nutrients and greens
- I tend to get sick a lot when I travel, so making sure you’re getting all your nutrients and vitamins in to avoid getting sick is CRUCIAL!
- I get something like this (linked below) to try to stay healthy while I travel, especially if I’ll be gone for a while! Trust me, its better to try to chug some of this instead of being alone and sick somewhere across the globe!
Thanks for reading!
Overall, after years of backpacking and testing countless products, I’ve learned that the right travel gear can make or break your journey. These best travel products for women aren’t just space-saving and budget-friendly—they’ve saved me from headaches, helped me stay organized, and even made my trips more enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting your adventures, these essentials are tried, tested, and totally worth it. I hope this list helps make your packing easier and your travels smoother! Love you all! xoxoxoxoxoxoxox, AnitaBelle <3
